Swiss National Day

The next dates

• 2026Saturday, 1 AugustWeekend
• 2027Sunday, 1 AugustWeekend
• 2028Tuesday, 1 August

In which cantons is Swiss National Day a holiday?

• 26cantonspublic holiday throughout the canton

Origin

1 August recalls the Federal Charter, dated to the beginning of August 1291, in which Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden promised each other mutual assistance. For a long time, however, 8 November 1307 was regarded as the founding date of the Confederation. 1 August was first celebrated in 1891 for the 600th anniversary. In 1899, the Federal Council asked the cantons to ring the church bells in the evening; it has been celebrated every year since. The day has only been a day off throughout Switzerland since 1994: on 26 September 1993, voters had approved a popular initiative with 83.8 per cent in favour. Bonfires on the hills, speeches, lanterns and fireworks are part of it.

Sources: Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz: Bundesfeier

What the three types mean

Public holiday

Treated like a Sunday (Art. 20a Labour Act). Employees have the day off.

Cantonal rest day

Public rest day under cantonal law, e.g. shops are closed. Under employment law it is a working day.

Customary day off

Not a public holiday, but many employers give the day off. Your employment contract decides whether you are off.